OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the long-term efficacy and safety of two different beta-interferon preparations (IFN-beta-1a vs IFN-beta-1b). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two parallel outpatient groups with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), according to Poser criteria, were treated with either intramuscular IFN-beta-1a 30 microg (group A, n = 62) or subcutaneous IFN-beta-1b 250 microg (group B, n = 64). RESULTS: A statistically significant reduction was seen in the relapse rate (P < 0.0001) in both groups. No significant difference was found between the two groups (P = 0.43). After 6 years of therapy, the mean Expanded Disability Status Scale score was 3.22 +/- 1.47 (delta 1.03 +/- 1.35) in group A and 3.34 +/- 1.47 (delta 0.97 +/- 1.47) in group B (P = 0.47). CONCLUSIONS: Our study results suggest that the efficacy of IFN-beta-1a 30 microg once weekly and SC IFN-beta-1b 250 microg every other day is similar. Both IFN-beta-1a and IFN-beta-1b are effective in slowing disability progression.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the long-term efficacy and safety of two different beta-interferon preparations (IFN-beta-1a vs IFN-beta-1b). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two parallel outpatient groups with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), according to Poser criteria, were treated with either intramuscular IFN-beta-1a 30 microg (group A, n = 62) or subcutaneous IFN-beta-1b 250 microg (group B, n = 64). RESULTS: A statistically significant reduction was seen in the relapse rate (P < 0.0001) in both groups. No significant difference was found between the two groups (P = 0.43). After 6 years of therapy, the mean Expanded Disability Status Scale score was 3.22 +/- 1.47 (delta 1.03 +/- 1.35) in group A and 3.34 +/- 1.47 (delta 0.97 +/- 1.47) in group B (P = 0.47). CONCLUSIONS: Our study results suggest that the efficacy of IFN-beta-1a 30 microg once weekly and SC IFN-beta-1b 250 microg every other day is similar. Both IFN-beta-1a and IFN-beta-1b are effective in slowing disability progression.
Authors: Peter Joseph Jongen; Christian Sindic; Evert Sanders; Stanley Hawkins; Wim Linssen; Erik van Munster; Stephan Frequin; George Borm Journal: PLoS One Date: 2011-10-25 Impact factor: 3.240